Systems and methods of transmitting measurement reports

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for transmission of measurement reports are provided. In some cases, once a mobile station transmits a measurement report for a cell, such as an uncontrolled cell, then the mobile station transmits some further minimum number of measurement reports. In some cases, a mobile station can only transmit measurement reports for a cell up to some maximum or for some specified time. The mobile station transmits measurement reports using two formats. In the first, the cell is identified using routing parameters; in the second, the cell is not identified using routing parameters. The network is able to associate messages sent using the two formats.

FIELD

The application relates to systems and methods of transmittingmeasurement reports.

BACKGROUND

In GERAN (GSM Edge Radio Access Network), measurement reports (i.e.messages containing signal strength/quality measurements of neighbouringcells) are sent in fixed-size messages. Each message is approximately 20octets in length, and typically contain information for around 6 cells.

Some measurement reports in GERAN do not explicitly indicate the RAT(radio access technology) of the measured cell: instead, frequencyindices are used and the range (0-31) is split into GSM (Global Systemfor Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem), E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network).

The network can signal measurement reporting criteria (e.g. minimumsignal strength and/or quality); if a cell does not fulfil thesecriteria, the mobile shall not report that cell in a measurement report.If more cells meet the criteria than can be included in a single report,a prioritisation scheme is specified (some parameters of thisprioritisation may be signalled by the network).

Some cells are uncontrolled in the sense that a PLMN (public land mobilenetwork) operator does not control the location/operation of the cell.Other cells are controlled in the sense that the operator does controlthe location/operation of the cells. Examples of uncontrolled cellsinclude, for example, CSG (closed subscriber group) cells, cellscontrolled by home enode b's and home node b's. These cells are alsosometimes referred to as being “uncoordinated” in the sense that theyare not subject to normal radio/cell planning.

It is generally understood that there are many methods of performing ahandover for controlled cells. Handover in this context refers to a cellchange where resources (for example timeslots, frequency channels,scrambling codes, etc.) for transmission and/or reception in a targetcell are allocated to a mobile station in advance of the mobile stationperforming a cell change to that cell, particularly in response to arequest from the controller of the device's serving cell.

While the uncontrolled cells may be configured to use spectrum that isowned by the operator, the network operator does not have the samecontrol over uncontrolled cells as for controlled cells. Typically, thenetwork operator does not own the support structure (towers etc.), doesnot own or control the backhaul connection (e.g. Digital Subscriber Line(DSL) connections), does not know or control when a given uncontrolledcell is going to be switched on, and/or may not know or control thelocations of uncontrolled cells. The operator will typically still havecontrol of various parameters such as operating frequency, transmitpower, etc. if the operator owns the spectrum license.

In order to perform a handover to a target cell, controlled oruncontrolled, a MS (mobile station) typically needs to provideidentifying information relating to the target cell to the currentserving cell so that it can initiate handover process. In particular,the current serving cell needs to be able to communicate with (possiblyvia a core network) the cell controller for the target cell. However,the current serving cell may not be aware of how to reach the cellcontroller for a target uncontrolled cell, unless provided with explicitidentification information for the cell (such as a cell globalidentity). This makes handover to such cells difficult. In contrast, fora controlled target cell, it may be sufficient for the mobile station toprovide the current serving cell with information about the target cellwhich does not require or cause the acquisition of any broadcastinformation from the target controlled cell for the serving cell to beable to reach the cell controller for the target controlled cell, sincethe serving cell or some part of the network may be able to map otheridentifying features of the cell (such as operating frequency,scrambling code etc.) to the identity of the target cell or itscontroller.

A cell controller may not necessarily map physical layer identities(such as frequency, spreading code, etc.) of an uncontrolled cell (moregenerally, another cell) to the identity of its respective controller(or to an identifier which can be used elsewhere in the core network toroute messages to the target controller).

In general therefore, it is expected that, for handover to anuncontrolled cell, the mobile station will have to provide moreidentification information regarding the target cell than in the case ofhandover to a controlled cell.

Identification of CSG cells in measurement reports is accomplishedthrough the inclusion of “routing parameters”. These routing parametersare used by the serving cell controller to contact the target cell'scontroller and reserve resources and request a handover command message.The MS typically obtains these in advance of sending the measurementreport by reading the broadcast system information of the target cell;it may also have this information stored.

Some existing measurement report messages identify cells (in part) usinga “frequency index” (0 . . . 31), each frequency index representing aregular (i.e. non-CSG) physical carrier frequency. An index may be usedfor (at most one of) GSM, UMTS or E-UTRAN frequencies. The mapping ofindex to physical frequency is based on complex rules for processingneighbour cell lists (NCLs) received by the mobile station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference tothe attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile station having a measurementreport generator in communication with a target cell controller having ameasurement report processor;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of generating measurement reports by amobile station;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another method of generating measurementreports by a mobile station;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a sequence of measurement reports some ofwhich contain routing parameters and some of which do not;

FIG. 5 is an example of a sequence of measurement reports that includereports for two cells;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another method of generating measurementreports by a mobile station;

FIG. 7 is an example of a sequence of measurement reports;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another mobile station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure areprovided below, the disclosed systems and/or methods may be implementedusing any number of techniques, whether or not currently known or inexistence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to theillustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustratedbelow, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustratedand described herein, but may be modified within the scope of theappended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Disadvantageously, the inclusion of the routing parameters takes up alot of space in measurement report messages and may significantly reducethe number of cells that can be reported.

Furthermore, the number of measurement reports required for the networkto trigger a handover attempt is not known by the mobile station. On theone hand, the mobile station may continue to report information for aCSG cell for a long period of time, when there is no likelihood that thenetwork will perform a handover; during this time, measurement reportsfor other cells are prevented or severely limited, for example, to theextent that only a single other cell can be reported.

Since a network is unlikely to initiate a handover to a cell for whichit has not received a measurement report, this will severely limit thepossibility of handover to cells other than the CSG cell being reported(including to other CSG cells). This could also cause problems for thenetwork, if it wishes to move the device to another suitable cell (e.g.a UTRAN or E-UTRAN cell), for instance, for load-balancing reasons.

On the other hand, if the mobile station ceases sending of measurementreports for CSG cells early, it may not be sufficient to trigger ahandover, in accordance with (implementation-specific) handoveralgorithm used by the serving cell controller.

In some embodiments, parameters are defined which control one or moreof:

a) the minimum number of reports that should be sent for a single cell;

b) the maximum number of reports that should be sent for a single cell;

c) maximum time window during which to send reports for a single cell;

d) minimum number of reports that should contain routing parameters;

e) maximum number of reports that should contain routing parameters;

f) which and how many reports should contain routing parameters.

As indicated above, some existing measurement report messages identifycells (in part) using a “frequency index” (0 . . . 31), each frequencyindex representing a physical carrier frequency. An index may be usedfor (at most one of) GSM, UMTS or E-UTRAN frequencies. The mapping ofindex to physical frequency is based on complex rules for processingneighbour cell lists (NCLs) received by the mobile station.

However, CSG cells may use a frequency which is used only for CSG cells(and not for non-CSG cells). Since such frequencies may not be allocateda frequency index according to the current rules (e.g. because suchfrequencies are not listed in existing neighbour cell lists, or are notprocessed when constructing the index mapping), it is not possible toreport such cells using such egacy measurement reports.

Similarly, in some existing measurement report messages cells areidentified by means of an index to a neighbour cell list, which isderived from neighbour cell information transmitted by the serving cellcontroller. However, CSG cells are typically not included in such listsand hence do not have a corresponding index.

In some embodiments, a frequency index (or other index or identifier(s))is used to indicate a cell such as an uncontrolled cell in a measurementreport that does not contain routing parameters. In some cases thisindex or identifier is included in the full measurement reportcontaining routing parameters. Then measurement reports that use thefrequency index (or other index or identifier) are transmitted withoutthe routing parameters. The index or identifier is such that there is noambiguity with any neighbor cell.

According to one broad aspect, the application provides a methodcomprising: detecting a cell and performing signal strength measurementsin respect of the cell; in respect of a cell, so long as that cellcontinues to meet measurement reporting criteria relating to at leastone of received signal strength and quality, transmitting measurementreports in respect of the cell, and if a first constraint condition onmeasurement report transmission in respect of the cell is satisfied thenrefraining from transmitting measurement reports in respect of the cellusing a first measurement report format.

According to another broad aspect, the application provides a methodcomprising: detecting a cell and performing signal strength measurementsin respect of the cell; in respect of a cell, transmitting at least onemeasurement report using a first measurement report format; in respectof the cell, transmitting at least one measurement report using a secondmeasurement report format.

According to a another broad aspect, the application provides a methodin a mobile station, the method comprising: detecting a cell andperforming signal strength measurements in respect of the cell; if themobile station sends a measurement report for a cell which it has notreported within the preceding defined time period, at least until adefined minimum in respect of measurement reporting is satisfiedcontinuing to transmit measurement reports for the cell while the cellmeets the applicable measurement reporting criteria.

According to a another broad aspect, the application provides a methodin a wireless network, the method comprising transmitting at least oneparameter over the air that specifies mobile station behaviour in termsof measurement report transmission.

According to another broad aspect, the application provides a method ina wireless network comprising: receiving first measurement reports inrespect of a cell using a first measurement report format; receivingsecond measurement reports in respect of the cell using a secondmeasurement report format; associating the second measurement reportswith the first measurement reports.

The embodiments described below all relate to the transmission ofmeasurement reports in respect of a cell. In the detailed examplesbelow, the cell concerned is an uncontrolled cell, and in some casesspecifically the cell is referred to as being a CSG cell; in someembodiments the methods are applied specifically to uncontrolled cell.However, it is to be clearly understood that in other embodiments, themethods described are applied to a cell generally that may or not be anuncontrolled cell, and that may or may not be a CSG cell. In some casesthe methods are applied to a first class of cells such as uncontrolledcells or a particular type of controlled cells, and are not applied to asecond class of cells such as controlled cells.

The embodiments below make reference to measurement reports that containrouting parameters. More generally, wherever there is a reference to ameasurement report that contains routing parameters, measurement reportsthat use a first measurement report format are contemplated. A specificexample of a first measurement report format is a format that includesrouting parameters. Another example of a first measurement report is aformat that allows the network to identify the cell for which themeasurement report is being sent without relying on a previousmeasurement report transmission from the mobile station.

The embodiments below make reference to measurement reports that do notcontain routing parameters. More generally, wherever there is areference to measurement reports that do not contain routing parameters,measurement reports that use a second measurement report format arecontemplated. A specific example of a second measurement report formatis a format that does not include routing parameters. The secondmeasurement report may involve an index or other indicator that avoidsambiguity with neighbor cells.

In some embodiments, the second measurement report format is a formatthat is more concise than the first measurement report format.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic diagram in which a mobilestation 10 has a wireless connection to a serving cell transceiver 12within serving cell 13. Also shown is a serving cell controller 14,target cell transceiver 15 with target cell 17, and target cellcontroller 16. Of course, other network elements may be present, such ascore network elements 18 and other cell controllers 20. The core networkelements may, for example, include one or more of an SGSN (serving GPRSsupport node), MSC (mobile switching centre), MME (mobility managemententity). The signalling over the air interface (between a transceiverand a mobile station) is typically performed at the RLC (radio linkcontrol)/MAC (medium access control) layer. Signalling between a BSS andcore network is separate from RLC/MAC.

The serving cell controller 14 is configured with a measurement reportprocessor 30 that enables the serving cell controller to perform one ora combination of two or more of the serving cell controller methodsdescribed herein. The methods implemented in the measurement reportprocessor include one or more of:

a) signalling one or more of the parameters described below to a mobilestation; this can be in broadcast signalling or mobile station specificsignalling; however, in some cases the parameters are set, and known tothe mobile station and (optionally) the network without requiring overthe air signalling;

b) receiving and processing measurement reports from a cell that use twodifferent measurement report formats, for example receiving andprocessing measurement reports that contain routing information andreceiving and processing measurement reports that do not contain routinginformation. This may include associating the measurement reports for acell in messages that do not contain routing information withmeasurement reports for a cell in messages that do contain routinginformation;

c) performing handoff control as a function of received measurementreports.

d) receiving lists of neighbour cells and/or frequencies, for example toallow “unused” or unambiguous identifiers to be selected or recognized.

The measurement report processor 30 may be implemented in hardware, orsoftware running on a processing platform such as a processor orcombination of processors, or a combination of hardware and software.The measurement report processor 30 may be implemented as part of/achange to another component forming part of a serving cell controller.The serving cell controller 14 includes other components (not shown) toallow it to perform the serving cell controller functionality. Moregenerally, one or a combination of network components includefunctionality of the measurement report processor.

The target cell controller 16 is similarly configured with a measurementreport processor 32 The target cell controller 16 includes othercomponents (not shown) to allow it to perform the target cell controllerfunctionality.

The mobile station 10 has at least one antenna 20, and at least onewireless access radio 22. In addition, them mobile station is configuredwith a measurement report generator 24 that enables the mobile stationto perform one or a combination of two or more of the mobile stationmethods described herein. The measurement report generator 24 may beimplemented in hardware, or software running on a processing platformsuch as a processor or combination of processors, or a combination ofhardware and software. The measurement report generator 24 may beimplemented as part of/a change to another component forming part of amobile station. The mobile station 10 includes other components (notshown) to allow it to perform mobile station functionality.

In some embodiments, a new parameter is defined and made known to themobile station (may be signalled or specified) that specifies a maximumnumber of measurement reports per cell to send (N_max). In someembodiments, the network sets this value so that, having received N_maxmeasurement reports and determined not to initiate a handover, theprobability that it would initiate a handover if it subsequently(immediately afterwards) received further reports for that cell is verylow.

In some embodiments, a new parameter is defined and made known to themobile station (may be signalled or specified) that specifies a minimumnumber N_min of measurement reports per cell to send. In someembodiments, the network sets this value to be greater than or equal tothe minimum number of measurement reports for a cell required to triggera handover attempt according to its handover trigger algorithm. Once afirst measurement report has been sent for a particular cell, after nothaving sent a report for some time for that cell, the mobile stationsends at least N_min−1 further reports (i.e. sending N_min reports intotal) for the same cell, if that cell continues to meet the appropriatemeasurement reporting criteria.

In some embodiments N_max, and N_min are both used, and N_min<=N_max.

In some embodiments, a new parameter is defined and made known to themobile station (may be signalled or specified) that specifies a minimumnumber N_RP_min of reports to be sent which contain routing parameters.This parameter can be set to ensure with high probability that at leastone measurement report containing routing parameters is received by thenetwork.

In some embodiments, N_min and N_RP_min are both used, andN_min<=N_RP_min. In some embodiments, N_min and N_RP_min are both used,and N_min<N_RP_min. In some embodiments, N_min and N_RP_min are bothused, and N_min>N_RP_min.

In some embodiments, N_min, N_RP_min, N_max are both used, andN_RP_min<=N_max. In some embodiments, where both N_RP_min and N_max areused, N_RP_min is less than N_max.

In some embodiments, N_min, N_RP_min, N_max are all used.

In another embodiment, measurement reports are transmitted in accordancewith a defined sequence of reports that contain or do not containrouting parameters. This sequence is known to both the mobile stationand the network. In a first example, at least the parameter N_max isused, and the first two (more generally first N) messages of a set ofN_max messages contain routing parameters and remaining ones do not. Ina second example every Nth message contains routing parameters andremaining ones do not. In a third example, at least the parameter N_minis used, and the first and the N_min-th message messages contain routingparameters. In some embodiments, at least the first in the sequencecontains the full routing parameters.

In some embodiments, the parameter N_max is used, and once a sequence ofN_max reports have been sent, the mobile station is prohibited fromsending measurement reports containing routing parameters for that cellfor a specified period; the mobile station may continue to include areport (excluding routing parameters) for that cell; after this period,the mobile station may repeat the procedure from the beginning.

In some embodiments, the parameter N_max is used, and once a sequence ofN_max reports have been sent, the mobile station refrains from reportingthat cell at all for a specified period.

In some embodiments, one or more of the conditions for constrainingtransmission of measurement reports comprise in part that it is notpossible to report all cells that meet measurement reporting criteria ina single measurement report message. If it is possible to report allcells that meet measurement reporting criteria in a single measurementreport message, there is no need to refrain from sending measurementreports in respect of a given cell.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a flowchart of a method for executionby a mobile station, such as but not limited to mobile station 10 ofFIG. 1 or mobile station 100 of FIG. 8. In block 2-1, the mobile stationdetects a cell and performing signal strength measurements in respect ofthe cell. In block 2-2, in respect of a cell, so long as that cellcontinues to meet measurement reporting criteria relating to at leastone of received signal strength and quality, the mobile stationtransmits measurement reports in respect of the cell, and if a firstconstraint condition on measurement report transmission in respect ofthe cell is satisfied then the mobile station refrains from transmittingmeasurement reports in respect of the cell using a first measurementreport format. The “constraint condition” is referred to as such as itis a condition which, if satisfied, results in a constraint of some sorton further measurement report transmission; in this case, the constraintis that the mobile station refrain from transmitting measurement reportsusing a first measurement report and as such is a limiting constraint;in other cases described below, the constraint sets a minimum in termsof time or number of measurement reports.

In this and other embodiments described herein, the transmission of ameasurement report in respect of a cell means that the measurementreport contains measurements at least for that cell. This does notpreclude the same measurement report containing measurements for anothercell or cells, assuming that a format/size used to for the measurementreport accommodates this.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a flowchart of a method for executionby a mobile station, such as but not limited to mobile station 10 ofFIG. 1 or mobile station 100 of FIG. 8. In block 3-1, the mobile stationdetects a cell and performs signal strength measurements in respect ofthe cell. In block 3-2, if the mobile station sends a measurement reportfor a cell which it has not reported within a preceding defined timeperiod and at least until a defined minimum in respect of measurementreporting is satisfied the mobile station continues to transmitmeasurement reports for the cell while the cell meets the applicablemeasurement reporting criteria.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed example of a sequence of measurement reportswhere N_min=5, N_max=7, and N_RP_min=2, and where the a defined sequenceis such that the first and N_minth measurement reports are to containrouting parameters is used. In this example, it can be seen that thefirst and fifth measurement reports contain routing parameters, thesecond, third, fourth, sixth and seventh measurement reports do notcontain routing parameters, and the next measurement report does notcontain a report for that cell.

In some embodiments, rather than using a maximum number (N_max), amaximum duration is specified. In some embodiments, rather than using aminimum number N_min, a minimum duration is specified. This may beappropriate, for example, in scenarios where measurement reports are notsent with a fixed periodicity.

In some embodiments, where two or more parameters are used, one or moreof the parameters is defined as a function of one or more of the otherparameters. In a specific example, where N_min and N_max are used, N_mincan be specified as N_min=N_max−2. This may reduce the amount ofsignaling to specify all the parameters in the event the parameters aredefined using over the air signaling.

In some embodiments, where a defined sequence of measurement reportsthat do and do not contain routing information is employed, at leastsome of the measurement reports contain an indicator of where in the“sequence” they are. This may for example be included only inmeasurement reports that include routing parameters. This may allow thenetwork to reconstruct the sequence in case of measurement reports thatit could not decode. For example, if the network receives a report thatindicates that it is the 4th report in the sequence for that cell, thenetwork can determine that the cell was reported in 3 previous reports,even though the first such measurement report may not have been receivedand therefore had met the reporting criteria for the duration since itcan conclude that the first measurement report was sent.

In some embodiments, for at least one measurement report, themeasurement report includes an indication of where the measurementreport is in a sequence of measurement reports. In this case, thesequence of measurement reports is not necessarily a defined sequence ofreports that do and do not contain routing parameters.

The network is able to associate measurement reports containing routingparameters in respect of a cell with other measurement reports that donot contain routing parameters for that cell. In some embodiments, anindex or identifier is used by the mobile station to allow the networkto fully associate measurement reports that do not contain routingparameters with cells being fully identified in measurement reportscontaining routing parameters. This index or identifier may, forexample, be included in the measurement report(s) that contain routingparameters. This provides a link between reports containing routingparameters and reports of the same cell that do not contain routingparameters. This index or identifier, for example, relates to physicallayer parameters such as frequency, scrambling code, etc.

In some embodiments, the measurement reports that do not contain routingparameters use existing measurement report message formats (meaning thatthe identification at least fits within existing physical layerparameter space in these messages, or such that including a report for aCSG cell does not require any more space than would be required toreport a non-CSG cell, whether the non-CSG cell operates using the sameor different radio access technology as the CSG cell).

In some embodiments, a measurement report including routing parametersfor one CSG cell can accommodate another measurement report that doesnot contain routing parameters for another CSG cell, such thatconcurrent reporting of two CSG cells is possible. An example of this isdepicted in FIG. 5, where the same reporting sequence as was depicted inFIG. 4 is used for each cell, namely a first report containing routingparameters, three reports that do not contain routing parameters,another report that contains routing parameters, and two more reportsthat do not contain routing parameters for a total of 7 measurementreports. The sequence of events depicted in FIG. 5 is as follows:

a) the mobile station detects cell#1 and acquires system information;

b) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing routingparameters for cell#1;

c) the mobile station detects cell#2 and acquires system information;

d) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing routingparameters for cell#2, and report only (i.e. no routing parameters) forcell#1;

e) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing reportonly (i.e. no routing parameters) for cell#1 and cell#2;

f) the mobile station transmits another measurement report containingreport only (i.e. no routing parameters) for cell#1 and cell#2;

g) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing routingparameters for cell#1, and report only (i.e. no routing parameters) forcell#2;

h) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing routingparameters for cell#2, and report only (i.e. no routing parameters) forcell#1;

i) the mobile station transmits another measurement report containingreport only (i.e. no routing parameters) for cell#1 and cell#2;

j) the mobile station transmits a measurement report containing reportonly (i.e. no routing parameters) for cell#2.

The following is a detailed example, where N_CSG_REPORTS_MAX is anexample of N_max, N_CSG_REPORTS_FULL_MAX is an example of N_RP_max,N_CSG_REPORTS_MIN is an example of N_min.

a) If N_CSG_REPORTS_MAX is signalled by the network then the mobilestation shall not transmit a measurement report for the same CSG cellmore than N_CSG_REPORTS_MAX times in a defined (e.g. 60 seconds) secondperiod, regardless of the value of the measured quantity/quantities.

b) At least two (or all, if fewer than two are sent), but no more thanN_CSG_REPORTS_FULL_MAX measurement reports containing routing parametersshall be sent for the same CSG cell in any defined (e.g. 60 seconds)period.

c) If the mobile station sends a measurement report for a CSG cell,which it has not reported within the last defined period (e.g. 60seconds), it shall include routing parameters in that report, and sendat least a further N_CSG_REPORTS_MIN−1 reports for the same cell (forexample within the next defined period, such as 30 seconds) while thecell meets the applicable measurement reporting criteria, the last ofwhich shall include routing parameters.

In some embodiments only a) is implemented. In some embodiments, only b)is implemented In some embodiments, only c) is implemented. In someembodiments, a) and b) are implemented. In some embodiments, a) and c)are implemented. In some embodiments, b) and c) are implemented. In someembodiments, a), b) and c) are implemented.

In some embodiments, N_CSG_REPORTS_MAX and N_CSG_REPORTS_MIN may be thesame value.

In some embodiments, N_CSG_REPORTS_MAX, N_CSG_REPORTS_FULL_MAX andN_CSG_REPORTS_MIN are transmitted in broadcast system information (e.g.System Information Type 2 quater and/or in MEASUREMENT INFORMATIONmessages and/or in PACKET MEASUREMENT ORDER messages).

Various Options for Transmitting Measurement Reports that do not ContainRouting Parameters

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a flowchart of a method for executionby a mobile station, such as but not be limited to mobile station 10 ofFIG. 1 or mobile station 100 of FIG. 8. In block 6-1, the mobile stationdetects a cell and performing signal strength measurements in respect ofthe cell. In block 6-2, in respect of a cell, the mobile station atleast one measurement report using a first measurement report format. Inblock 6-3, in respect of the cell, the mobile station transmits at leastone measurement report using a second measurement report format. Asindicated previously, in some cases the first measurement report formatis one that includes routing parameters, and the second measurementreport format is one that does not include routing parameters.

Measurement reports in respect of uncontrolled cells without routingparameters are always sent in the context of other measurement reportsthat do contain routing parameters. The network can associate the twotypes of reports to the same cell. Because of this, it is not necessarythat an index (such as a frequency index) or other identifier used forthe measurement reports that do not contain routing parameters be knownin advance to the network or the mobile station, nor that it iscurrently unused.

In some embodiments, the index or other identifier to be used is set bythe mobile station when sending a measurement report which includes therouting parameters, and the index or other identifier is included in themeasurement report that includes the routing parameters.

In some embodiments, the mobile station is allowed to choose anyfrequency index (more generally, any index or identifier) (including aGSM frequency index) provided that the bit sequence used to encode thefrequency index and PCI/PSC combination is not used for any otherneighbour cell.

An example of this approach will be described with reference to FIG. 7.At 7-1, the mobile station acquires system information etc. in respectof a cell, in this case the cell is CSG cell#1 having PCI=34, andFrequency (EARFCN)=3. The mobile station maps CSG cell#1 having PCI=34,and Frequency (EARFCN)=3 to frequency index 1, PCI=34, having determinedthat this is not used by any other neighbour cell. At 7-2, the mobilestation transmits a measurement report containing routing parameters andthe physical layer identifier(s) and/or index or indices to be used tosubsequently identify the cell in measurement reports not containingrouting parameters, in this case frequency index=1, PCI=34. At 7-3, themobile station again transmits a measurement report containing routingparameters and these identifiers. At each of 7-4,7-5,7-6, the mobilestation transmits a respective measurement report that contains themapped identifying information (frequency index 1, PCI=34) and does notcontain routing parameters.

One benefit of using an index of a GSM frequency or UMTS frequency isthat it minimizes confusion, since a) there are no GSM CSG cells, and b)GSM and UMTS neighbour (non-CSG) cells are explicitly listed inneighbour cell lists, whereas E-UTRAN cells are not; there may thereforebe a macro (non-CSG) E-UTRAN cell with the same PCI/frequency in thevicinity, possibly unknown to the MS but known to the network.

In some embodiments, it is specified that the index must belong to areduced set of indices. Advantageously, this will reduce the amount ofsignalling required to specify the index in the measurement reportcontaining routing parameters. For example, the index might be specifiedto come from the first 4/8/16 frequency indices (noting that GSMfrequencies start at zero and work up; while E-UTRAN/UTRAN frequenciesstart at 31 and work backwards, so making it most likely that a GSMindex was used), then only 2/3/4 bits (respectively) would be neededwhen signalling the mapping in the full report (containing routingparameters).

A further benefit of this approach is that, should PCI/PSC (physicallayer cell identifier/primary scrambling code) confusion be detected bythe MS (i.e. two CSG cells operating using the same physical layerparameters), the mobile station can use different identifiers for thetwo cells (even though they are using the same physical parameters),thereby allowing a distinction in messages which do not contain therouting parameters. Explicitly mapping to a particular index can be usedeven when the physical frequency does have a corresponding index (e.g.because it is also used by non-CSG cells) to allow concurrent reportingof cells which use identical physical layer parameters.

In some embodiments where the mobile station transmits measurementreports using a defined sequence of reports that do and do not containrouting parameters, the mapping is considered to be valid by the mobilestation within a given “sequence” (i.e. for up to N_max reports).Correspondingly, the mapping should be considered by the network to bevalid only for (at most) N_max measurement reports after first beingused in a report containing routing parameters. However, if sequencenumbers or other “position-in-sequence” indicators are used, the networkmay be able to delete the mapping more accurately e.g. in cases wherethe first report was lost/mis-decoded.

In general, in some embodiments, the mobile station selects a means toidentify a CSG cell by means of parameters normally used to identifycells in existing measurement report messages (such as frequencyindices, indices to a neighbour cell list, base station identity code(BSIC), cell identity), sending measurement reports in a second formatomitting routing parameters but identifying the cell by means of theseparameters. In some embodiments, the selected parameters do notcorrespond to or could not be mistaken for a controlled (e.g. non-CSG)cell. In some embodiments, the mobile station additionally (and in somecases, first) signals some part or all of the selected parameterstogether with routing parameters in a first measurement report format.In some other embodiments, the selected parameters are not sent togetherwith the routing parameters, in particular, if the selected parametersare such that either there is no ambiguity as to the identity of thecell when these are used in the second measurement report format orthere is no ambiguity as to the fact that the reported cell is a CSGcell. The selected parameters may be those applicable to a cell usingthe same radio access technology or a different radio access technologyas the CSG cell.

Using Unused Frequency Index

An alternative approach is to use an (otherwise) unused frequency index(more generally, index or identifier) which can be determined by boththe MS and network in advance. In a specific example, the unusedfrequency index is the lowest index not otherwise used. This can then beused for all subsequent “report-only” reporting of CSG cells, withoutneeding to be explicitly identified in the full report with routingparameters (thereby saving some space compared to the previousexamples). Where the mobile station only reports on one CSG cell at atime, the network will be able to associate such reports with the cellidentified in the measurement report containing routing parametersnotwithstanding the absence of an explicit mapping between the two. Adisadvantage of this is that if PCI/PSC confusion is observed, there isno way for the MS to indicate this to the network without reporting fullrouting parameters for the cell.

In some embodiments, at least two indices are used to distinguishUTRAN/E-UTRAN CSG cells. More generally, in some embodiments, arespective index is used for each of a respective class of uncontrolledcells.

Another specific example of measurement reports for a CSG cell which donot include routing parameters involves identification of the CSG cellby the BSIC-NCELL parameter and the frequency index (BCCH-FREQ-NCELL)values (in the case of a MEASUREMENT REPORT). The mobile stationindicates the value of these parameters used to identify the cell in themeasurement report(s) containing routing parameters for that cell.

Another specific example of measurement reports for a CSG cell which donot include routing parameters involves identification of the CSG cellby a neighbour cell list index (see sub-clause 3.4.1.2.1.3) (if EnhancedMeasurement Reporting is used, including for PACKET ENHANCED MEASUREMENTREPORT, see 3GPP TS 44.060). The mobile station indicates the value ofthese parameters used to identify the cell in the measurement report(s)containing routing parameters for that cell.

Another specific example of measurement reports for a CSG cell which donot include routing parameters involves identification of the CSG cellby a FREQUENCY_N and BSIC_N (for PACKET MEASUREMENT REPORT messages, see3GPP TS 44.060). The mobile station indicates the value of theseparameters used to identify the cell in the measurement report(s)containing routing parameters for that cell.

The mobile station may concurrently report on two cells which use thesame physical layer identifiers by indicating different parameters foreach. In general, the mobile station is responsible for ensuring thatselected values would not result in any ambiguity (in other words, thecombination should not correspond to a neighbour cell in the GSM or 3Gneighbour cell list).

In some embodiments that impose a minimum constraint on the number ofmeasurement reports to send, the network may estimate mobility of thedevice (and hence, for example, whether the device is likely to shortlymove out of coverage of the cell).

In some embodiments in which routing parameters are sent at least twice,this may minimize/reduce the possibility that the network wishes totrigger a handover but has not received routing parameters.

In some embodiments, the network (assuming it received the routingparameters the first time) will be able to trigger handover before allmeasurement reports have been sent.

Some embodiments may avoid the mobile station repeatedly sendingmeasurement reports for a cell for which no handover is going to occur.

Some embodiments allow for a tradeoff between routing parametertransmission reliability and the possibility to report (and hence enablehandover to) other cells simultaneously.

Referring now to FIG. 8, shown is a block diagram of another mobilestation 100 that is configured to perform one or a combination of themobile station implemented methods described in this disclosure. Themobile station 100 is shown with a measurement report generator 101 forimplementing features similar to those of the measurement reportgenerator 24 of the mobile station 10 of FIG. 1. It is to be understoodthat the mobile station 100 is shown with very specific details forexemplary purposes only.

A processing device (a microprocessor 128) is shown schematically ascoupled between a keyboard 114 and a display 126. The microprocessor 128controls operation of the display 126, as well as overall operation ofthe mobile station 100, in response to actuation of keys on the keyboard114 by a user.

The mobile station 100 has a housing that may be elongated vertically,or may take on other sizes and shapes (including clamshell housingstructures). The keyboard 114 may include a mode selection key, or otherhardware or software for switching between text entry and telephonyentry.

In addition to the microprocessor 128, other parts of the mobile station100 are shown schematically. These include: a communications subsystem170; a short-range communications subsystem 102; the keyboard 114 andthe display 126, along with other input/output devices including a setof LEDs 104, a set of auxiliary I/O devices 106, a serial port 108, aspeaker 111 and a microphone 112; as well as memory devices including aflash memory 116 and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 118; and various otherdevice subsystems 120. The mobile station 100 may have a battery 121 topower the active elements of the mobile station 100. The mobile station100 is in some embodiments a two-way radio frequency (RF) communicationdevice having voice and data communication capabilities. In addition,the mobile station 100 in some embodiments has the capability tocommunicate with other computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by the microprocessor 128 is in someembodiments stored in a persistent store, such as the flash memory 116,but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read onlymemory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software,specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarilyloaded into a volatile store, such as the RAM 118. Communication signalsreceived by the mobile station 100 may also be stored to the RAM 118.

The microprocessor 128, in addition to its operating system functions,enables execution of software applications on the mobile station 100. Apredetermined set of software applications that control basic deviceoperations, such as a voice communications module 130A and a datacommunications module 1308, may be installed on the mobile station 100during manufacture. In addition, a personal information manager (PIM)application module 130C may also be installed on the mobile station 100during manufacture. The PIM application is in some embodiments capableof organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events,voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is alsoin some embodiments capable of sending and receiving data items via awireless network 110. In some embodiments, the data items managed by thePIM application are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated viathe wireless network 110 with the device user's corresponding data itemsstored or associated with a host computer system. As well, additionalsoftware modules, illustrated as another software module 130N, may beinstalled during manufacture.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, areperformed through the communication subsystem 170, and possibly throughthe short-range communications subsystem 102. The communicationsubsystem 170 includes a receiver 150, a transmitter 152 and one or moreantennas, illustrated as a receive antenna 154 and a transmit antenna156. In addition, the communication subsystem 170 also includes aprocessing module, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 158, andlocal oscillators (LOs) 160. The specific design and implementation ofthe communication subsystem 170 is dependent upon the communicationnetwork in which the mobile station 100 is intended to operate. Forexample, the communication subsystem 170 of the mobile station 100 maybe designed to operate with the Mobitex™, DataTAC™ or General PacketRadio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and alsodesigned to operate with any of a variety of voice communicationnetworks, such as Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), Time DivisionMultiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), PersonalCommunications Service (PCS), Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), etc. Examples of CDMA include 1× and 1×EV-DO. The communicationsubsystem 170 may also be designed to operate with an 802.11 Wi-Finetwork, and/or an 802.16 WiMAX network. Other types of data and voicenetworks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with themobile station 100.

Network access may vary depending upon the type of communication system.For example, in the Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ networks, mobile stations areregistered on the network using a unique Personal Identification Number(PIN) associated with each device. In GPRS networks, however, networkaccess is typically associated with a subscriber or user of a device. AGPRS device therefore typically has a subscriber identity module,commonly referred to as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, inorder to operate on a GPRS network.

When network registration or activation procedures have been completed,the mobile station 100 may send and receive communication signals overthe communication network 110. Signals received from the communicationnetwork 110 by the receive antenna 154 are routed to the receiver 150,which provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion,filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog todigital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signalallows the DSP 158 to perform more complex communication functions, suchas demodulation and decoding. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted to the network 110 are processed (e.g., modulated andencoded) by the DSP 158 and are then provided to the transmitter 152 fordigital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering,amplification and transmission to the communication network 110 (ornetworks) via the transmit antenna 156.

In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP 158 providesfor control of the receiver 150 and the transmitter 152. For example,gains applied to communication signals in the receiver 150 and thetransmitter 152 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in the DSP 158.

In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text messageor web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem 170and is input to the microprocessor 128. The received signal is thenfurther processed by the microprocessor 128 for an output to the display126, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O devices 106. A deviceuser may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using thekeyboard 114 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 106, such as atouchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other type of inputdevice. The composed data items may then be transmitted over thecommunication network 110 via the communication subsystem 170.

In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device issubstantially similar to the data communication mode, except thatreceived signals are output to a speaker 111, and signals fortransmission are generated by a microphone 112. Alternative voice oraudio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, mayalso be implemented on the mobile station 100. In addition, the display126 may also be utilized in voice communication mode, for example, todisplay the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call,or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem 102 enables communicationbetween the mobile station 100 and other proximate systems or devices,which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the shortrange communications subsystem may include an infrared device andassociated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication moduleto provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.

Also, note that a mobile station might be capable of operating inmultiple modes such that it can engage in both CS (Circuit-Switched) aswell as PS (Packet-Switched) communications, and can transit from onemode of communications to another mode of communications without loss ofcontinuity. Other implementations are possible.

For completeness, reference is made to the following two documents:

-   3GPP TS 44.060 v.9.3.0 “General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Mobile    Station (MS)—Base Station System (BSS) interface; Radio Link    Control/Medium Access Control (RLC/MAC) protocol (Release 9)”-   3GPP TS 44.018 v.9.4.0 “Mobile radio interface layer 3    specification; Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol (Release 9)”

Both of these references are available atwww.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2010-03/Rel-9/44 series/.

Four sections from the above two documents are reproduced below.

From 44.018:

9.1.55 is the Enhanced Measurement Report message.

10.5.2.20 is the information element containing measurement reports thatis included in the Measurement Report message.

9.1.55 Enhanced Measurement Report

This message containing measurement results is sent on the SACCH by themobile to the network. See below.

This message may contain reports on GSM and/or 3G Radio AccessTechnologies. Measurements are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008.

Message type: ENHANCED MEASUREMENT REPORT

Significance: dual

Direction: mobile station to network

<Enhanced Measurement report> ::=    < RR short PD : bit >       -- See3GPP TS 24.007    < Message type : bit (5) >    -- See 10.4    < Shortlayer 2 header : bit (2) > -- See 3GPP TS 44.006    < BA_USED : bit >   < 3G_BA_USED : bit >    < BSIC_Seen : bit >    < SCALE : bit >    { 0| 1 < Serving cell data : < Serving cell data struct >> }    { 1 <Repeated Invalid_BSIC_Information : < Repeated Invalid_BSIC_Informationstruct >> } ** 0    { 0 | 1 { 0 | 1 < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > }** } -- bitmap type reporting    { null | L bit ** = < no string >    --Receiver compatible with earlier release    | H -- Additions in Rel-8 :      < BITMAP_LENGTH : bit(7) >       { 0 | 1 < REPORTING_QUANTITY :bit (6) > } * (val(BITMAP_LENGTH + 1 ) )       { 0 | 1 < E-UTRANMeasurement Report : < E-UTRAN Measurement Report struct > > }    <spare padding > } ; < Serving cell data struct > ::=    < DTX_USED :bit >    < RXLEV_VAL : bit (6) >    < RX_QUAL_FULL : bit (3) >    <MEAN_BEP : bit (5) >    < CV_BEP : bit (3) >    < NBR_RCVD_BLOCKS : bit(5) > ; < Repeated Invalid_BSIC_Information struct > ::=    <BCCH-FREQ-NCELL : bit (5) >    < BSIC : bit (6) >    < RXLEV-NCELL : bit(6) > ; < E-UTRAN Measurement Report struct > ::=    < N_E-UTRAN: bit(2) >    {   < E-UTRAN_FREQUENCY_INDEX : bit (3) >       < CELL IDENTITY: bit (9) >       < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > } * (val(N_E-UTRAN +1 )) ;

Enhanced Measurement Report Message Content

TABLE 9.1.55.1 Enhanced Measurement Report information element details.BA_USED (1 bit field), The value of the BA-IND field of the neighbourcell description information element or elements defining the BCCHallocation used. Range 0 to 1. 3G_BA_USED (1 bit field) The value of the3G-BA-IND field of the neighbour cell description information element orelements defining the 3G and/or E-UTRAN allocation used. Range 0 to 1..BSIC_Seen (1 bit field) This parameters indicates if a GSM cell withinvalid BSIC and allowed NCC part of BSIC is one of the six strongest,see 3GPP TS 45.008. Bit 0    No cell with invalid BSIC and allowed NCCpart of BSIC is seen 1    One Cell or more with invalid BSIC and allowedNCC part of BSIC is seen SCALE (1 bit field) The value of this field isdefined in 3GPP TS 45.008. Serving cell reporting If this structure ismissing, this indicates that no valid measurement exist for the servingcell. Parameters RXLEV_VAL (6 bits), RX_QUAL_FULL (3 bits), MEAN_BEP (5bits), CV_BEP (3 bits), NBR_RCVD_BLOCKS (5 bits) are defined in 3GPP TS45.008. DTX_USED (1 bit field) This bit indicates whether or not themobile station used DTX during the previous measurement period. 0    DTXwas not used 1    DTX was used. Neighbour cell reporting RepeatedInvalid BSIC This structure contains the report of cells with invalidBSIC. BCCH-FREQ-NCELL (5 bits). This field represents the index of theBA (list), see 10.5.2.20. BSIC (6 bits). Base station identity code ofthe corresponding index in the BA (list). RXLEV (6 bits). GSM reportingquantity, see 3GPP TS 45.008. Bitmap type reporting: This structurecontains the report of cells with valid BSIC. Each bit of the bitmappoints to the corresponding index of the Neighbour Cell list defined insub-clause 3.4.1.2.1.3 ‘Deriving the Neighbour Cell list from the GSMNeighbour Cell list and the 3G Neighbour Cell list’. If this structureis present and more bits than needed are available at the end of themessage, the MS shall set the value of the redundant bitmap positions to‘0’. At least 96 neighour cell entries shall be encoded in the bitmap.If this structure is present, some remaining bits indicating no reportat the end of the message may be omitted if these bits do not fit intothe message. This shall not lead to an error in the receiver of thatmessage. If E-UTRAN neighbour cells are to be reported, then thisstructure shall be omitted and replaced by the bitmap reportingstructure in the release-8 extension of this message. REPORTING_QUANTITY(6 bits): Measurement quantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. E-UTRANNeighbour cell reporting BITMAP_LENGTH (7 bit field) 1 +val(BITMAP_LENGTH) indicates the number of entries in the reportingbitmap. Bitmap type reporting: This structure contains the report ofcells with valid BSIC. Each bit of the bitmap points to thecorresponding index of the Neighbour Cell list defined in sub-clause5.6.3.3 (“Deriving the Neighbour Cell list from the GSM Neighbour Celllist and the 3G Neighbour Cell list”). REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bits):Measurement quantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. E-UTRANMeasurements Measurement reporting for E-UTRAN Cells is defined in 3GPPTS 45.008. E-UTRAN_FREQUENCY_INDEX (3 bit field) This field contains theindex of the frequency of the cell for which the measurement isreported. This field is defined in sub-clause 9.1.54. CELL_IDENTITY (9bit field) This field contains the physical layer cell identity (asdefined in 3GPP TS 36.211) of the cell being reported.REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bit field) This is the reporting quantity for theE-UTRAN cell identified by the E-UTRAN frequency and physical layer cellidentity. The quantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008 for therespective Radio Access Technology.

10.5.2.20 Measurement Results

The purpose of the Measurement Results information element is to providethe results of the measurements made by the mobile station on theserving cell and the neighbour cells.

The Measurement Results information element is coded as shown below andtable 10.5.2.20.1.

The Measurement Results is a type 3 information element with 17 octetslength.

Measurement Results Information Element

TABLE 10.5.2.20.1 Measurement Results information element detailsBA-USED (octet 2), the value of the BA_IND field of the neighbour celldescription information element or elements defining the BCCH allocationused for the coding of BCCH-FREQ-NCELL fields. Range 0 to 1. DTX-USED(octet 2) This bit indicates whether or not the mobile station used DTXduring the previous measurement period. Bit 7 0 DTX was not used 1 DTXwas used RXLEV-FULL-SERVING-CELL and RXLEV-SUB-SERVING-CELL, (octets 2and 3) Received signal strength on serving cell, measured respectivelyon all slots and on a subset of slots (see 3GPP TS 45.008) TheRXLEV-FULL-SERVING-CELL and RXLEV-SUB-SERVING-CELL fields are coded asthe binary representation of a value N. N corresponds according to themapping defined in 3GPP TS 45.008 to the received signal strength on theserving cell. Range: 0 to 63 MEAS-VALID (octet 3) This bit indicates ifthe measurement results for the dedicated channel are valid or not Bit 70 The measurement results are valid 1 the measurement results are notvalid 3G-BA-USED (octet 3) The value of the 3G_BA_IND field of theneighbour cell description information element or elements defining the3G Neighbour Cell list used for the coding of 3G BCCH-FREQ-NCELL fieldsand/or for defining the E-UTRAN Neighbour Cell list. Range 0 to 1.RXQUAL-FULL-SERVING-CELL and RXQUAL-SUB-SERVING-CELL (octet 4) Receivedsignal quality on serving cell, measured respectively on all slots andon a subset of the slots (see 3GPP TS 45.008) CELL fields are coded asthe binary representation of the received signal quality on the servingcell. Range: 0 to 7 (See 3GPP TS 45.008) NO-NCELL-M, Number of neighbourcell measurements (octets 4 and 5) Bits 1 8 7 Neighbour cell measurementresult 0 0 0 None 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 5 1 1 0 6 1 1 1Neighbour cell information not available for serving cell RXLEV-NCELL i,Result of measurement on the i'th neighbour cell (octet 5, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) If the i'th neighbour cell is a GSM cell, theRXLEV-NCELL field is coded as the binary representation of a value N. Ncorresponds according to the mapping defined in 3GPP TS 45.008 to thereceived signal strength on the i'th neighbouring cell. See note 1 & 2.If the i'th neighbour cell is a 3G cell, the contents of the RXLEV-NCELLfield is defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. Range: 0 to 63. Report on GSM cells:BCCH-FREQ-NCELL i, BCCH carrier of the i'th neighbour cell (octet 6, 8,10, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17). The BCCH-FREQ-NCELL i field is coded as thebinary representation of the position, starting with 0, of the i'thneighbour cells BCCH carrier in the BCCH channel list. The BCCH channellist is composed of one or two BCCH channel sub lists, each sub list isderived from the set of frequencies defined by reference neighbour celldescription information element or elements. In the latter case the setis the union of the two sets defined by the two neighbour celldescription information elements. In each BCCH channel sub list theabsolute RF channel numbers are placed in increasing order of ARFCN,except that ARFCN 0, if included in the set, is put in the last positionin the sub list. The BCCH channel list consists either of only the sublist derived from the neighbour cell description information element(s)in System Information 2/5 (and possible 2bis/5bis) or of that sub listimmediately followed by the sub list derived from the neighbour celldescription information element in System Information 2ter/5ter for thecase System Information 2ter/5ter is also received. If the set of ARFCNsdefined by the reference neighbour cell description information elementor elements includes frequencies that the mobile station does notsupport then these ARFCNs shall be included in the list. The notation2/5 etc. means that the rules above apply to the neighbour celldescription information elements received in System Information 2, 2bisand 2ter and to those received in System Information 5, 5bis and 5terseparately. See note 1 & 2. Range: 0 to 31/30. Report on 3G cells: If nomore than 31 (GSM) ARFCN frequencies are included in the BA (list), theindex BCCH-FREQ-NCELL 31 indicates report(s) on 3G cells. In this case,the corresponding ‘BSIC-NCELL’ field in FIG. 10.5.2.20.1 carries theindex of the i'th 3G neighbour cell in the 3G Neighbour Cell listdefined in sub- clause 3.4.1.2.1.1, “Deriving the 3G Neighbour Cell listfrom the 3G Neighbour Cell Description”. 3G cells with indexes above 63are not reported (6 bits field). If more than 31 (GSM) ARFCN frequenciesare included in the BA (list), reporting of 3G cells is not possiblewith this IE. Range: 0 to 63. Report on E-UTRAN cells: If no more than(31 − NUM_E-UTRAN_FREQUENCIES) GSM ARFCN frequencies are included in theBA (list), the BCCH-FREQ-NCELL indices from (31 − NUM_E-UTRAN_FREQUENCIES) to 30 (inclusive) indicate report(s) on E-UTRANcells. The index BCCH-FREQ-NCELL 30 indicates a report of an E-UTRANneighbour cell on the first frequency defined in the E-UTRAN NeighbourCell list, the value 29 indicates a report of an E-UTRAN neighbour cellon the second frequency in the E-UTRAN Neighbour Cell list and so on.NUM_E-UTRAN_FREQUENCIES is defined as the number of separate E-UTRANfrequencies in the E-UTRAN Neighbour Cell list. If the BCCH-FREQ-NCELLindex indicates an E-UTRAN frequency, the corresponding ‘BSIC-NCELL’field in FIG. 10.5.2.20.1 contains the least significant 6 bits of thephysical layer cell identity (see 3GPP TS 36.211) of the E- UTRANneighbour cell. The corresponding ‘RXLEV-NCELL’ field in FIG.10.5.2.20.1 contains the 3 bit measurement value (see 3GPP TS 45.008) inthe most significant 3 bits of the field and the most significant 3 bitsof the physical layer cell identity in the least significant 3 bits ofthe field. If more than (31 − NUM_E-UTRAN_FREQUENCIES) GSM ARFCNfrequencies are included in the BA (list), reporting of E-UTRAN cells isnot possible with this IE. BSIC-NCELL i, Base station identity code ofthe i'th neighbour cell (octet 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 17) ForGSM cells, the BSIC-NCELL i field is coded as the binary representationof the base station identity code of the i'th neighbour cell. See note 1& 2. Range: 0 to 63. NOTE 1: If the field extends over two octets thehighest numbered bit of the lowest numbered octet is the mostsignificant and the lowest numbered bit of the highest numbered octet isthe least significant. NOTE 2: If NO-NCELL-M < 6 the remainingRXLEV-NCELL i, BS-FREQ-NCELL i and BSIC-NCELL i fields (NO-NCELL-M < i<= 6) shall be coded with a “0” in each bit.

From 44.060

11.2.9 is the Packet Measurement Report

11.2.9d is the Packet Enhanced Measurement Report

11.2.9 Packet Measurement Report

This message is sent on the PACCH from the mobile station to the networkto report measurement results. The message contains measurement resultsfrom the Network Control measurements. For a (3G) multi-RAT mobilestation, report on 3G cells may be included. For a (E-UTRAN) multi-RATmobile station, report on E-UTRAN cells may be included.

Message type: PACKET MEASUREMENT REPORT

Direction: mobile station to network

TABLE 11.2.9.1 PACKET MEASUREMENT REPORT message content < PacketMeasurement Report message content > ::=    < TLLI / G-RNTI : bit (32) >   { 0 | 1 < PSI5_CHANGE_MARK : bit (2) > }    0 < NC Measurement Report: < NC Measurement Report struct > >       { null | 0 bit** = < nostring > -- Receiver compatible with earlier release    | 1 -- Additionsin release 99 :       { 0 | 1 { 0 < BA_USED : bit > < 3G_BA_USED : bit >| 1 < PSI3_CHANGE_MARK : bit(2) > }          < PMO_USED : bit > }      { 0 | 1 < 3G Measurement Report : < 3G Measurement Reportstruct > > }       { null | 0 bit ** = < no string > -- Receivercompatible with earlier release       | 1 -- Additions in Rel-5 :         { 0 | 1 < G-RNTI extension : bit (4) > }          { null | 0bit ** = < no string >   -- Receiver compatible with earlier release         | 1 -- Additions in Rel-8 :             { 0 | 1 < E-UTRANMeasurement Report : < E-UTRAN Measurement Report struct > > }            < padding bits > } } } ; < NC Measurement Report struct >::=    < NC_MODE : bit (1) >    < RXLEV_SERVING_CELL : bit (6) >    0         -- The value ‘1’ was allocated in an earlier version of theprotocol and shall not be used.    < NUMBER_OF_NC_MEASUREMENTS : bit(3) >    {   < FREQUENCY_N : bit (6) >       { 0 | 1 < BSIC_N : bit(6) > }       < RXLEV_N : bit (6) > } * (val(NUMBER_OF_NC_MEASUREMENTS)); < 3G Measurement Report struct > ::=    < N_3G: bit (3) >    {   <3G_CELL_LIST_INDEX : bit (7) >       < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) >} * (val(N_3G + 1 )) ; < E-UTRAN Measurement Report struct > ::=    <N_E-UTRAN: bit (2) >    {   < E-UTRAN_FREQUENCY_INDEX : bit (3) >      < CELL IDENTITY : bit (9) >       < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) >} * (val(N_E-UTRAN + 1 )) ;

TABLE 11.2.9.2 PACKET MEASUREMENT REPORT information element detailsTLLI/G-RNTI (32 bit field) This field contains the TLLI/G-RNTI of themobile station. This field is encoded as defined in sub-clause 12.16.PSI5_CHANGE_MARK (2 bit field) This field shall contain the value of thePSI5_CHANGE_MARK in the PSI5 message containing the list of frequenciesto measure. If the measurement order has been initiated by a PACKETMEASUREMENT ORDER message, the PSI5_CHANGE_MARK parameter shall beomitted from the message. BA_USED (1 bit field) 3G_BA_USED (1 bit field)PSI3_CHANGE_MARK (2 bit field) In case of NC measurement report, thesefields shall be included and contain the value of the BA_IND, 3G_BA_INDand PSI3_CHANGE_MARK respectively in the messages defining the usedNeighbour Cell list and E-UTRAN Neighbour Cell list. In case PBCCHexists, PSI3_CHANGE_MARK shall be used. In case PBCCH does not exist,BA_USED and 3G_BA_USED shall be used. PMO_USED (1 bit field) Thisparameter shall contain the value of the PMO_IND in the PACKET CELLCHANGE ORDER or PACKET MEASUREMENT ORDER messages that has modified theused Neighbour Cell list. If no such message has been received, PMO_USEDshall be set to zero. NC_MODE (1 bit field) This field indicates if themobile station was in mode NC1 or NC2 when sending the measurementreport. 0    Mobile station in mode NC1 1    Mobile station in mode NC2RXLEV_SERVING_CELL (6 bit field) This field contains the value of theRXLEV parameter for the serving cell calculated by the mobile station(see 3GPP TS 45.008). This field is encoded as the binary representationof the RXLEV parameter value defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. Range 0 to 63FREQUENCY_N (6 bit field) This field indicates the frequency/cell uponwhich the measurement was made. The field is an index into the resultingFrequency/Cell List for NCmeasurements. NC Measurements If PBCCH isallocated in the cell, the resulting frequency/cell list for NCMeasurements is the GSM Neighbour Cell list defined in sub-clause5.6.3.2. If PBCCH is not allocated in the cell, the resultingfrequency/cell list for NC Measurements is     The BA(GPRS) (defined insub-clause 5.6.3.2) before the MS has acquired the complete    GSMNeighbour Cell list from the BCCH messages. In this case, the MS shallnot include    R99 extension (‘Additions in release 99’) in the PACKETMEASUREMENT REPORT    message.     The GSM Neighbour Cell list (definedin sub-clause 5.6.3.2) after the MS has acquired the    complete GSMNeighbour Cell list from the BCCH messages. When the mobile station has   acquired the GSM Neighbour Cell list, the mobile station shallinclude in the measurement    reports only cells present in that list.BSIC_N (6 bit field) This field indicates the BSIC of the frequency uponwhich the measurement was made. This field shall be included only forfrequencies that refer to the BA(BCCH) list. The field is encoded as theBSIC value defined in 3GPP TS 44.018. Range 0 to 63 RXLEV_N (6 bitfield) This field indicates the measured RXLEV of the frequency uponwhich the measurement was made (see 3GPP TS 45.008). This field isencoded as the RXLEV value defined in 3GPP TS 44.018. Range 0 to 63 3GMeasurements Measurement reporting for 3G Cells is defined in 3GPP TS45.008. 3G_CELL_LIST_INDEX (7 bit field) This is the index of the i'threported 3G neighbour cell in the 3G Neighbour Cell List. See sub-clause5.6.3.1. REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bit field) This is the reporting quantityfor the i'th reported 3G cell. The quantities are defined in 3GPP TS45.008 for the respective Radio Access Technology. G-RNTI extension (4bit field) This field contains the extra 4 bits of the G-RNTI notincluded in the TLLI/G- RNTI field which are necessary to provide aunique identifier in lu mode. E-UTRAN Measurements Measurement reportingfor E-UTRAN Cells is defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. E-UTRAN_FREQUENCY_INDEX(3 bit field) This field contains the index into the frequenciesspecified as part of the E- UTRAN Neighbour Cell list. This field isdescribed in sub-clause 12.53. CELL_IDENTITY (9 bit field) This fieldcontains the physical layer cell identity (as defined in 3GPP TS 36.211)of the cell being reported. REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bit field) This is thereporting quantity for E-UTRAN cell identified by the E-UTRAN frequencyand physical layer cell identity. The quantities are defined in 3GPP TS45.008 for the respective Radio Access Technology.

11.2.9d Packet Enhanced Measurement Report

This message is sent either on the PACCH if in packet transfer mode oron an assigned block on a PDTCH, from the mobile station to the networkto report enhanced measurement results. The message contains measurementresults from the Network Control measurements.

Message type: PACKET ENHANCED MEASUREMENT REPORT

Direction: mobile station to network

TABLE 11.2.9d.1 PACKET ENHANCED MEASUREMENT REPORT message content <PACKET ENHANCED MEASUREMENT REPORT message content > ::=    < TLLI /G-RNTI : bit (32) >    { < NC Measurement Report : < NC MeasurementReport struct > > }    { null | 0 bit ** = < no string >   -- Receivercompatible with earlier release    | -- 1 Additions in Rel-5 :       { 0| 1 < G-RNTI extension : bit (4) > }       { null | 0 bit ** = < nostring >   -- Receiver compatible with earlier release       | -- 1Additions in Rel-8 :          < BITMAP_LENGTH : bit(7) >          { 0 |1 < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > } * (val(BITMAP_LENGTH + 1 ) )         { 0 | 1 < E-UTRAN Measurement Report : < E-UTRAN MeasurementReport struct > > }       < padding bits > } } ; < NC Measurement Reportstruct > ::= < NC_MODE : bit (1) > { 0 < BA_USED : bit > < 3G_BA_USED :bit > | 1 < PSI3_CHANGE_MARK : bit(2) > } < PMO_USED : bit > < BSIC_Seen: bit > < SCALE : bit > { 0 | 1 < Serving cell data : < Serving celldata struct >> } { 1 < Repeated Invalid_BSIC_Information : < RepeatedInvalid_BSIC_Information struct >> } ** 0 { 0 | 1 { 0 | 1 <REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > } ** } ; -- bitmap type reporting <Serving cell data struct > ::= < RXLEV_SERVING_CELL : bit (6) > 0 ; --The value ‘1’ was allocated in an earlier version of the protocol andshall not be used. < Repeated Invalid_BSIC_Information struct > ::= <BCCH-FREQ-NCELL : bit (5) > < BSIC : bit (6) > < RXLEV-NCELL : bit (6) >; < E-UTRAN Measurement Report struct > ::=    < N_E-UTRAN: bit (2) >   {   < E-UTRAN_FREQUENCY_INDEX : bit (3) >       < CELL IDENTITY : bit(9) >       < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > } * (val(N_E-UTRAN + 1 )) ;

TABLE 11.2.9d.2 PACKET ENHANCED MEASUREMENT REPORT information elementdetails TLLI/G-RNTI (32 bit field) This field contains the TLLI/G-RNTIof the mobile station. This field is encoded as defined in sub-clause12.16. NC_MODE (1 bit field) This field indicates if the mobile stationwas in mode NC1 or NC2 when sending the measurement report. 0    Mobilestation in mode NC1 1    Mobile station in mode NC2 BA_USED (1 bitfield), 3G_BA_USED (1 bit field) PSI3_CHANGE_MARK (2 bit field) Thesefields shall contain the value of the BA_IND, 3G_BA_IND andPSI3_CHANGE_MARK respectively in the messages defining the usedNeighbour Cell list or E-UTRAN Neighbour Cell list. In case PBCCHexists, PSI3_CHANGE_MARK shall be used. In case PBCCH does not exist,BA_USED and 3G_BA_USED shall be used. PMO_USED (1 bit field) Thisparameter shall contain the value of the PMO_IND in the PACKET CELLCHANGE ORDER or PACKET MEASUREMENT ORDER messages that has modified theused Neighbour Cell list. If no such message has been received, PMO_USEDshall be set to zero. BSIC_Seen (1 bit field) This parameters indicatesif a GSM cell with invalid BSIC and allowed NCC part BSIC is one of thesix strongest, see 3GPP TS 45.008. Bit 0    No cell with invalid BSICand allowed NCC part of BSIC is seen 1    One cell or more with invalidBSIC and allowed NCC part of BSIC is seen SCALE (1 bit field) The valueof this field is defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. Serving cell reporting Ifthe structure “serving cell data” is missing, this indicates that novalid measurement exist for the serving cell. RXLEV_SERVING_CELL (6 bitfield) This field contains the value of the RXLEV parameter for theserving cell calculated by the mobile station (see 3GPP TS 45.008). Thisfield is encoded as the binary representation of the RXLEV parametervalue defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. Range 0 to 63 Neighbour cell reportingRepeated Invalid BSIC This structure contains the report of cells withinvalid BSIC. BCCH-FREQ-NCELL (5 bits). This field represents the indexof the BA(GPRS), see 3GPP TS 44.018. BSIC (6 bits). Base stationidentity code of the corresponding index in the BA(GPRS). RXLEV (6bits). GSM reporting quantity, see 3GPP TS 45.008. Bitmap typereporting: This structure contains the report of cells with valid BSIC.Each bit of the bitmap points to the corresponding index of theNeighbour Cell list defined in sub-clause 5.6.3.3 (“Deriving theNeighbour Cell list from the GSM Neighbour Cell list and the 3GNeighbour Cell list”). If this structure is present and more bits thanneeded are available at the end of the message, the MS shall set thevalue of the redundant bitmap positions to ‘0’. At least 96 neighourcell entries shall be encoded in the bitmap. If this structure ispresent, some remaining bits indicating no report at the end of themessage may be omitted if these bits do not fit into the message. Thisshall not lead to an error in the receiver of that message. If E-UTRANneighbour cells are to be reported, then this structure shall be omittedand replaced by the bitmap reporting structure in the release-8extension of this message. REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bits): Measurementquantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. G-RNTI extension (4 bit field)This field contains the extra 4 bits of the G-RNTI not included in theTLLI/G- RNTI field which are necessary to provide a unique identifier inlu mode. E-UTRAN Neighbour cell reporting BITMAP_LENGTH (7 bit field)1 + val(BITMAP_LENGTH) indicates the number of entries in the reportingbitmap. Bitmap type reporting: This structure contains the report ofcells with valid BSIC. Each bit of the bitmap points to thecorresponding index of the Neighbour Cell list defined in sub-clause5.6.3.3 (“Deriving the Neighbour Cell list from the GSM Neighbour Celllist and the 3G Neighbour Cell list”). REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bits):Measurement quantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008. E-UTRANMeasurement Report This information element contains the measurementreports for one or more E- UTRAN neighbour cell. This field is definedin sub-clause 11.2.9.

In addition, reference is made to GP-100746 CR 44.060-1338 rev 2“Introduction of inbound mobility to CSG cells”, Nokia Siemens Networks,Nokia Corporation, 3GPP TSG GERAN #46, 17-21 May 2010, Jeju, SouthKorea. This document contains specific examples of measurement reportsthat contain routing parameters. Two sections are reproduced below.

12.59E-UTRAN CSG Measurement Report

The E-UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element containsmeasurement results for one E-UTRAN CSG neighbour cell identified viaits Cell Global Identity.

TABLE 12.59.1 E-UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element <E-UTRAN CSG Measurement Report IE > ::=    { 0 | 1 < E-UTRAN CGI : bit(28) >  < Tracking Area Code : bit (16) > }    { 0 | 1 < PLMN-ID : <PLMN-ID Struct > > }    { 0 | 1 < CSG-ID : bit (27) > }    < Access Mode: bit (1) >    < REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > ; < PLMN-ID struct > ::=   < MCC : bit (12) >    < MNC : bit (12) > ;

TABLE 12.59.2 E-UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element detailsE-UTRAN CGI (28 bit field) This field contains the E-UTRAN Global CellIdentity (as defined in 3GPP TS 23.003) of the CSG cell being reported.If the target cell is a hybrid access mode cell, this field shall not beincluded. Tracking Area Code (16 bit field) This field contains thetracking area code (as defined in 3GPP TS 24.301) of the CSG cell beingreported. If the target cell is a hybrid access mode cell, this fieldshall not be included. PLMN-ID This information element contains thePLMN-ID of the CSG cell being reported. If this field is not presentthen the PLMN-ID of the target CSG cell is the same as that of theserving cell. CSG-ID (27 bit field) This field contains the CSG identity(as defined in 3GPP TS 23.003) of the CSG cell being reported. AccessMode (1 bit field) This field indicates the access mode of the reportedcell. It is coded as follows: 0    The reported cell is a closed accessmode cell. 1    The reported cell is a hybrid access mode cell.REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bit field) This is the reporting quantity forE-UTRAN CSG cell identified by the E-UTRAN Global Cell Identity. Thequantities are defined in 3GPP TS 45.008 for the respective Radio Accessmode. PLMN-ID struct MCC (12 bit field) This field contains the MobileCountry Code of the PLMN of the cell being reported. MNC (12 bit field)This field contains the Mobile Network Code of the PLMN of the cellbeing reported.

12.60 UTRAN CSG Measurement Report

The UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element containsmeasurement results for a single UTRAN CSG neighbour cell identified viaits Cell Global Identity.

TABLE 12.60.1 UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element < UTRANCSG Measurement Report IE > ::=    { 0    | 1    < UTRAN CGI : bit(28) > }    { 0    | 1    < PLMN-ID : < PLMN-ID Struct > > }    { 0    |1    < CSG-ID : bit (27) > }    < Access Mode : bit (1) >    <REPORTING_QUANTITY : bit (6) > ; < PLMN-ID struct > ::=    < MCC : bit(12) >    < MNC : bit (12) > ;

TABLE 12.60.2 UTRAN CSG Measurement Report information element detailsUTRAN CGI (28 bit field) This field contains the Cell Identity (asdefined in 3GPP TS 25.331) of the CSG cell being reported. If the targetcell is a hybrid access mode cell, this field shall not be included.PLMN-ID This information element contains the PLMN-ID of the CSG cellbeing reported. If this field is not present then the PLMN-ID of thetarget CSG cell is the same as that of the serving cell. CSG-ID (27 bitfield) This field contains the CSG identity (as defined in 3GPP TS23.003) of the CSG cell being reported. Access Mode (1 bit field) Thisfield indicates the access mode of the reported cell. It is coded asfollows: 0    The reported cell is a closed access mode cell. 1    Thereported cell is a hybrid access mode cell. REPORTING_QUANTITY (6 bitfield) This is the reporting quantity for UTRAN CSG cell identified bythe UTRAN Global Cell Identity. The quantities are defined in 3GPP TS45.008 for the respective Radio Access mode. PLMN-ID struct MCC (12 bitfield) This field contains the Mobile Country Code of the PLMN of thecell being reported. MNC (12 bit field) This field contains the MobileNetwork Code of the PLMN of the cell being reported.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present application arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the applicationmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

I claim:
 1. A method comprising: detecting a cell and performing signalstrength measurements in respect of the cell; in respect of the cell,transmitting at least one measurement report using a first measurementreport format; and in respect of the cell, transmitting at least onemeasurement report using a second measurement report format, wherein thefirst measurement report format is a measurement report format thatincludes cell identity; and wherein the second measurement report formatis a measurement report format that does not include the cell identity;and wherein transmitting measurement reports comprises transmitting adefined sequence of measurement reports using the first measurementreport format and measurement reports that use the second measurementreport format.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: if themobile station sends a measurement report for a cell, which it has notreported within a preceding defined time period, transmitting themeasurement report using the first measurement report format, andsending at least a further N_min−1 reports for the same cell while thecell meets applicable measurement reporting criteria, the last of whichuses the first measurement report format, wherein N_min is an integerparameter.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: after sending ameasurement report in respect of the cell, so long as that cellcontinues to meet measurement reporting criteria, transmitting furthermeasurement reports in respect of the cell over at least a defined timeperiod.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: after sending ameasurement report in respect of the cell, so long as that cellcontinues to meet measurement reporting criteria, transmittingmeasurement reports in respect of the cell such that at least N_RP_minmeasurement reports are transmitted that use the first measurementreport format, wherein N_RP_min is an integer parameter.
 5. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: after sending a measurement report inrespect of the cell, so long as that cell continues to meet measurementreporting criteria, transmitting measurement reports in respect of thecell such that at least N_RP_min measurement reports are transmittedusing the first measurement report format, and such that no more thanN_RP_max measurement reports using the first measurement report formatare sent for the same cell in a defined period, wherein N_RP_min andN_RP_max are integer parameters.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: for at least one measurement report, including an indicationof where the measurement report is in the defined sequence.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: for at least one measurementreport, including an indication of where the measurement report is in asequence of measurement reports.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein atleast the first measurement report of the defined sequence uses thefirst measurement report format.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein thedefined sequence is such that every Nth measurement report uses thefirst measurement report format, wherein N is an integer parameter. 10.The method of claim 1 applied in respect of a closed subscriber group(CSG) cell.
 11. A method in a mobile station, the method comprising:detecting a cell and performing signal strength measurements in respectof the cell; if the mobile station sends a measurement report thatincludes cell identity for a cell which it has not reported within apreceding defined time period, until a defined minimum in respect ofmeasurement reporting is satisfied continuing to transmit measurementreports for the cell while the cell meets applicable measurementreporting criteria comprising at least one of a minimum received signalstrength and a minimum received signal quality, and after the definedminimum in respect of measurement reporting is satisfied, refrainingfrom transmitting measurement reports in respect of the cell for adetermined time period regardless of the cell meeting measurementreporting criteria.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the definedminimum is a minimum time period.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein thedefined minimum is a minimum number of measurement reports.
 14. A mobilestation comprising: an antenna; a wireless access radio in communicationwith the antenna; and a measurement report generator in communicationwith the wireless access radio and antenna, the measurement reportgenerator configured to: detect a cell and performing signal strengthmeasurements in respect of the cell; if the mobile station sends ameasurement report that includes cell identity for a cell which it hasnot reported within a preceding defined time period, until a definedminimum in respect of measurement reporting is satisfied continue totransmit measurement reports for the cell while the cell meetsapplicable measurement reporting criteria comprising at least one of aminimum received signal strength and a minimum received signal quality,and after the defined minimum in respect of measurement reporting issatisfied, refrain from transmitting measurement reports in respect ofthe cell for a determined time period regardless of the cell meetingmeasurement reporting criteria.
 15. The mobile station of claim 14wherein the defined minimum is a minimum time period.
 16. The mobilestation of claim 14 wherein the defined minimum is a minimum number ofmeasurement reports.
 17. A non-transitory computer readable mediumhaving stored thereon computer executable code that when executed by aprocessor of a mobile station causes the mobile station to: detect acell and performing signal strength measurements in respect of the cell;if the mobile station sends a measurement report that includes cellidentity for a cell which it has not reported within a preceding definedtime period, until a defined minimum in respect of measurement reportingis satisfied continue to transmit measurement reports for the cell whilethe cell meets applicable measurement reporting criteria comprising atleast one of a minimum received signal strength and a minimum receivedsignal quality, and after the defined minimum in respect of measurementreporting is satisfied, refrain from transmitting measurement reports inrespect of the cell for a determined time period regardless of the cellmeeting measurement reporting criteria.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 17 wherein the defined minimum is a minimumtime period.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17wherein the defined minimum is a minimum number of measurement reports.